Sniper XR Targeting Demonstrates Maverick Missile Compatibility

Released on Monday, October 09, 2006

Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) successfully demonstrated compatibility with the launch of a Maverick missile from an adjacent A-10C wing pylon. The ability to fire missiles so close to the Sniper ATP uniquely qualifies Sniper for this weapon configuration, doubling the previous A-10C Maverick loadout capabilities.

"The addition of Sniper ATP greatly enhances the capabilities of the A-10," said Ken Fuhr, Sniper ATP program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force-led ATP program. "It provides the A-10 the ability to deliver both laser-guided and J-series weapons while enhancing existing close air support capabilities and providing greater capability to positively identify targets and growth capability for future weapons."

The test was conducted last August by the U.S. Air Force's 46th Test Wing, 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. The Sniper ATP was mounted on an A-10C Precision Engagement aircraft adjacent to the Maverick missile mounted on the LAU-88 missile rail. In this configuration, Sniper ATP is approximately 15 inches from the missile body.

Test pilots from the 40th Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, and the 422nd Test Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada, reported that they are impressed with Sniper ATP's performance during the developmental and operational flight tests of the A-10C. The A-10C's avionics upgrade and targeting pod integration are part of the Precision Engagement (PE) program, led by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego in New York.

Sniper ATPs are currently flying on the U.S. Air Force F-15E, F-16 and A-10 and are set to fly on the B-1 this month. Unlike other pods, Sniper ATP features a unique common aperture that eliminates boresight errors, ensures image stability even at supersonic speeds and has the most precise geo-location accuracy. Additionally, Sniper ATP's true two-level maintenance eliminates expensive intermediate-level test equipment. Sniper ATPs have proven superior in tens of thousands of flight hours in thousands of sorties in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.